[Realistik84]

Many are giving me advice that C02 should be used, not absolutely needed but should be used for my tank.

If you want to learn more about and see pics of my setup:
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/g...147892-biocube-29g-sw-planted-conversion.html


I am seeing "Red Sea C02 Bio-Generator" which quotes up to 40 Gallons, is reasonable cost, and indicates "up to a month" worth of CO2...Has anyone used this or recommend it?

Also - very confused by Reactor vs. Activator vs Regulator vs Pressurized vs Diffuser....very confusing..

 

[Abrium]

I understand your confusion and let me assure you that you are not alone. Typically the Co2 trail starts with an individual trying out a yeast mixture, then moving on to a "turn key" solution like Red Sea, and finally going completely pressurized.

I would advise that you get ahead of the game and go pressurized out of the gate. Get you a good rig, rent a Co2 tank from your local welding supply for about a buck, and grab some rubber tubing and a check value to make your system. Like so much in the aquatic world the up front cost seems daunting to say the least but looking over the long run you save money. I mean by the time you invest in your smaller DIY systems or the complete systems (usually crap) you could have put together a good system that works great and requires zero maintenance.

A good example could be my Co2 tank. I found my on craigslist, traded it for a slightly outdated computer tower and haven't filled my Co2 on one of the canisters for over 7 months. Not to mention that I got two 10 lb canisters on the deal.

Now on to the dispersal methods and lingo

an inline reactor is usually the choice for larger tanks because of the level of gas absorption and the reliance on the filter flow for a delivery mechanism.

a regulator is part of the rig that attaches to the tank.

a diffuser is a small, usually ceramic/glass contraption that goes inside the tank and to make a long story short it makes small bubbles out of bigger bubbles. This type of delivery mechanism works well in a smaller tank with sufficient flow.

Now mind you that I know enough to build my own pressurized delivery systems BUT I'm no pro or do I by no means know it all. However, this is the right place to be looking. I would post some questions in the equipment section of the forum and get some answers from real pros!